Proj Overview

Project Overview

Designers on the new Crocker-West facility at Penn State planned to construct it in five segments so various trades could work concurrently.
That plan created a need for an structural frame and exterior shell that could be constructed quickly without creating congestion on the site with a variety of trades working at once.

Precast Solution

Designers specified precast concrete components for the shell, including a total precast concrete structural system that took only 8 ½ weeks to erect. After only four weeks, some portions were ready to be roofed, leading to the installation of windows and mechanical details. The project was completed five weeks ahead of schedule.
The precast panels, which offer an Insulation value of R-28, serve four functions: exterior façade treatment, structural wall floor support, fireproofing, and insulation.
The precast concrete components also are helping the project achieve its goal of a LEED Gold rating.

 

Project Team

Architect

Civilsmith Engineering Inc.

Engineer

Evanko-Renwick Engineering Inc.

General Contractor

Sponaugle Construction Services

Owner

CS2 L.P.

Precaster

Architectural Precast, a US Concrete Co.

Precast Specialty Engineer

Architectural Precast, a US Concrete Co.

Key Project Attributes

  • Use of precast concrete components allowed buildings to be constructed in five segments, so various trades could work concurrently
  • Total precast concrete framing system took only 8-1/2 weeks to erect, allowing interior trades faster access.
  • Welded connections (rather than grouted) sped construction by eliminating the need to heat grout.
  • Several amenities, including light fixtures, conduit and HVAC openings, were cast into the panels.
  • Insulated panels provide R-28 insulation.
  • Panels serve four functions: exterior façade treatment, structural wall floor support, fireproofing, and insulation.
  • Repetition in casting allowed designers to incorporate ornate pieces at an economical cost.
  • Precast concrete helped achieve LEED Gold rating by aiding energy efficiency, waste management, use of recycled materials and other efficiencies.
  • LEED points gained by construction of underground precast concrete cistern that captures runoff water

Project/Precast Scope

  • 3 ½-story building encompassing 121,000 square feet.
  • 1,200 structural precast concrete elements used, including beams, shear walls, stairs with landings, slabs, interior and insulated exterior wall panels, and hollowcore plank.
  • 130-foot-long, 12- by 12-foot precast concrete underground cistern.
  • Dyed architectural precast panels were used on exposed interior columns, which eliminated the need for fireproofing on columns.